“Jesus doesn’t condemn those who are weak and trying hard; but those who are strong and aren’t trying at all. For Jesus, sin is often a failure to bother to love.”
– Fr. James Martin, SJ
I think it is the Truth that I am
antiracist.
I have given it much thought
and I think
all races should be equal
under Pax Romana.
when one of Them is dragged out,
battered and bloodied;
I think:
“Why? What evil has he done?”
when I hear the response that They
were misleading and inciting Their people to revolt;
I think:
“I find this man not guilty.”
when I then look into Their
bruised and bludgeoned eyes;
I think:
“Have you no answer? See how many things they accuse you of.”
and when I see that They, despite it all,
remain solemn and strong;
I think:
“Behold, the man!”
all of these thoughts are my antiracist
Truth.
but when I think
on the amount of thought I have given it,
I think
that I have done little more than
think.
and if this is the Case,
that I have done little more for Them
than think,
could it be that They have suffered, died, and were buried
under me?
perhaps I should try thinking:
“Quid est veritas?”
REFLECTION
- Have I truly been an Ignatian “contemplative in action” in the realm of antiracism – or only contemplative?
- If I have been more of the latter than the former, what are some ways I can rectify this?
ANTIPHON
When Pilate saw that he was not succeeding at all, but that a riot was breaking out instead, he took water and washed his hands in the sight of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. Look to it yourselves.” – Matthew 27:24
Written by Kevin B.
Every issue of “Becoming Antiracist” is written by a fellow St. Ignatius parishioner.
Kevin B. is a seventh-generation Polish/Irish/Italian Baltimorean whose extended family history in Baltimore includes everything from priests to longshoremen. A formerly lapsed Catholic, he was brought to St. Ignatius – kicking and screaming – by his wife Kendall, and has since begun a journey with Ignatian spirituality.